The Montreal Gazette has reported on a notable new release from the Analekta label, one of the leading Canadian recording companies. The reason that it will be of especial interest to some casual observers is that the pianist showcased on it is one Karin Kei Nagano--the 15-year-old daughter of Kent, revered chief conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
Did her surname help her get the contract? We don't care, and to be honest it doesn't always matter. There are plenty of fine examples of multi-generational talent in music families--the Jarvis, the Wallfischs, the Sterns, the Quilicos. If a famous nomenclature helps an artist who deserves it get a break, lucky them. And lucky us!
Certainly the Gazette is impressed with this recording of two Mozart piano concertos. "Anyone who supposes blood relation to be the only justification for the release simply has not heard it," they insist. "This is refined Mozart playing...right-hand runs are pearly, phrases are eloquent."
There are already countless troops of brilliant young pianists crowding our halls and record shelves or iPods already. But, you know, there's always room for a new artist with something to say worth the hearing. Sounds like the new Nagano is far more than simply the new Nagano.
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